Economists analyze the internal functioning of markets and market outcomes. While modern economics focuses on market forces, markets function imperfectly in some cases and that introduces scope for policy action. Our curriculum emphasizes the application of economics to the study of public policy issues and the role of government in a market economy. Examples include analysis of international trade and relations, economic behavior in the workplace, health care, taxation, and numerous other spheres of a global economy. Students who major in economics prepare themselves for a variety of careers. Some move on to graduate study in economics and become professional economists; the majority, however, pursue careers in law, public policy, government, and many aspects of business, including banking and financial analysis, management, and marketing. Consequently, some students choose to pursue double majors and dual degrees. Further information on these programs is available in the Academic Rules and Regulations section of this catalog or in the economics department office.

Minor in Economics

To pursue a minor in economics, a student must petition the Economics Department and complete the following requirements:

Three Other Upper-division Electives in Economics

Additional Information

In all, 18 to 21 credits of economics courses are required for the economics minor (depending on whether 3 or 6 credits of principles are taken). A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required of all courses counted toward the minor in economics. School of Management majors who minor in economics may substitute FIN 355 for ECN 481. Credit cannot be granted, however, for both ECN 481 and FIN 355. In addition, economics minors will not receive credit for both ECN 365 and ECN 465.

All credits for the minor must be Syracuse University letter-graded coursework, except transfer credit. Only 3 credits can be transfer credit towards the economics minor and requires approval by petition.